Led lighting for sps

[Cperkins8]

I am getting back into the hobby and looking for advice on lighting. I am going heavy on all corals in 105 rimless. I have an old DIY ballast with two t5's and a spot for two LEDs in the center. I have read a lot on the radions from ecotech but haven't been super impressed by the few that I have seen in person. Is there a cheaper alternative for the LEDs that is about the size of the xr30's that would still grow healthy sps?

 

[Wazzel]

Aquaillumination hydra52. Still not cheap but less expensive. IMO better coverage with the 4 puck lay out and just as controllable. Neither the hydra or the xp30 cover 24x24. The hydar52 does 18" in the short axis, less if you have a steep scape. It does 24" in the long axis just fine.

 

[SpSChief85]

I've got hydra 52s love the controllability

 

[terrypercula]

Aquaillumination hydra52. Still not cheap but less expensive. IMO better coverage with the 4 puck lay out and just as controllable. Neither the hydra or the xp30 cover 24x24. The hydar52 does 18" in the short axis, less if you have a steep scape. It does 24" in the long axis just fine.

I can't speak for the Hydra but the XR30 can cover 24×24 relatively easy. As far as less expensive options for that size coverage, there really aren't too many options. You could try looking into nanobox. Maybe send him a message and he could figure something out for you. If you're handy you could always DIY something together as well. It's fairly inexpensive to set up your own Cree LED layout.

 

[Cperkins8]

After spending the night looking at different lights I have kind of talked myself into the Kessil A360. Any feedback out there on these lights? And would you need to supplement these with T5's? I was thinking about using two A350's with one of the A150's in the center? Any feedback would be helpful.

 

[Mark426]

I dont want to start a fight...but ...when I was researching LED fixtures here and on other boards the Kessils seemed to be one of the least favorite among SPS lovers. I will say that Kessil did greatly improve their line with the 360.

 

[rovster]

I'm not a kessil hater but IMHO kessils fall short as a primary light source for sps growth. They do a fine job showcasing, but I see them as an adjunct. Stick to something with better spread. Hydras and Radions are top dog, but the Chinese panels are a great alternative.